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Talking with your hands helps listeners separate an obJECT from an OBject
Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Talking with your hands, or specifically what is known as 'beat gestures', can influence what speech sounds we perceive and can help people pick up stresses on different parts of a word, for example distinguishing OBject from obJECT. Beat gestures Read more about Talking with your hands helps listeners separate an obJECT from an OBject
InternationalMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, The Netherlands -
Variety is the spice of life, at least for sparrows
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
For the last 2,000 years there has been debate about whether a more varied social group benefits the individuals in it. Experiments with house sparrows suggest that groups containing different personality types (in terms of exploratory behaviour) Read more about Variety is the spice of life, at least for sparrows
InternationalBabes-Bolyai University, Romania -
Being transparent about COVID testing benefits the workplace
Journal of the Royal Society Interface
A simulation model for small workplaces shows that workers who are open about testing for COVID-19 and their test results translate into improved workplace productivity and minimised infections, compared to those employees who keep such information Read more about Being transparent about COVID testing benefits the workplace
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK; University of Oxford, UK -
Even very young kids can socially distance at school
Royal Society Open Science
Measures to reduce COVID-19 spread in English primary schools reduced close in-person contacts by 50-80 per cent, according to UK research. Researchers surveyed teachers from 34 UK primary schools on close contacts before and after distancing Read more about Even very young kids can socially distance at school
InternationalUniversity of Bristol, UK -
Sorry, but you are probably fatter than an elephant
Journal of Experimental Biology
Do you think elephants are fat? Well, they're probably less podgy than you, according to international scientists. They measured fat levels in 35 female and nine male captive Asian elephants, and say they carry less body fat than the average person. Read more about Sorry, but you are probably fatter than an elephant
InternationalUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham, USA -
NT alcohol policies reduce ICU admissions
Anaestesia and Intensive Care
The introduction of alcohol harm limitation policies in Central Australia from 2018 have had a marked effect on critical health figures, with a 38% relative reduction in Hospital Intensive Care Unit admissions associated with alcohol misuse, as well Read more about NT alcohol policies reduce ICU admissions
Australia; NTFlinders University -
Why does Flu get worse as we age - and is it the same for COVID?
Clinical & Translational Immunology
Elderly people who contract the Flu seem to produce fewer immune 'emergency' signals from infected cells, and therefore a slower immune response to infection than younger people, according to Aussie researchers. The team also found that regardless Read more about Why does Flu get worse as we age - and is it the same for COVID?
Australia; VICThe University of Melbourne|Monash University|Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity -
Long-term study reveals harm in regular cannabis use
Drug and Alcohol Review
Regular cannabis use has harmful effects regardless of the age a person starts using, a University of Queensland-led study has found. The study examined people who began regular cannabis use in high school or in their early 20s, and compared both Read more about Long-term study reveals harm in regular cannabis use
Australia; VIC; QLDThe University of Queensland|Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI)... -
Skink social network may help save species
New Zealand Journal of Ecology
Reptiles, apart from dinosaurs, aren’t usually thought of as particularly sociable. However, researchers from the University of Otago found that social groups of between two and eight endangered Otago skinks in Ōrokonui Ecosanctuary persisted Read more about Skink social network may help save species
New ZealandUniversity of Otago -
Early antibiotic use could have an effect on growth
Nature Communications
Exposure to antibiotics in the first few weeks of life is associated with reduced weight and height in boys up to the age of six, but not girls, according to international researchers who suggest this effect may be due to changes in the development Read more about Early antibiotic use could have an effect on growth
InternationalBar Ilan University, Israel -
Three-day old blind mice, see how they 'run' to their mums
Cell Reports
Three day old mice, still blind, can recognise their mum, and they retain this memory later in life. Experiments showed that the babies preferentially orientate to their caregiver (biological or foster mother) if given a choice between her and an Read more about Three-day old blind mice, see how they 'run' to their mums
InternationalPrinceton University, USA -
Putting bugs on the menu, safely
Food Chemistry
The thought of eating insects is stomach turning for many, but new Edith Cowan University (ECU) research is shedding light on allergy causing proteins which could pose serious health risks for those suffering from shellfish allergy. The research, Read more about Putting bugs on the menu, safely
Australia; QLD; WAEdith Cowan University|CSIRO|James Cook University... -
No fans, no fights - did sporting matches get less heated during COVID?
Humanities & Social Sciences Communications
Sporting matches may have been less emotional in 2020, according to international research, which suggests that the absence of supporters at Austrian Bundesliga soccer games during the COVID pandemic resulted in fewer arguments or emotional Read more about No fans, no fights - did sporting matches get less heated during COVID?
InternationalUniversity of Salzburg, Austria -
Air pollution linked to increased risk of progressive and irreversible blindness
British Journal of Ophthalmology
Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of progressive and irreversible sight loss, known as age-related macular degeneration, according to UK research. The study of over 100,000 people found that people who were exposed to higher fine Read more about Air pollution linked to increased risk of progressive and irreversible blindness
InternationalUCL Institute of Ophthalmology, UK -
Afternoon naps may boost your brain
General Psychiatry
If you were looking for an excuse to sneak in a quick siesta, Chinese scientists say taking a regular afternoon nap may be linked to improved mental agility. They studied 2,214 people, 1,534 of whom enjoyed a regular afternoon snooze, and say a Read more about Afternoon naps may boost your brain
InternationalThe Fourth People's Hospital of Wuhu, China -
Music can soothe following major heart surgery
Open Heart
Listening to music is linked to a significant reduction in anxiety and pain after major heart surgery, according to Dutch scientists who brought together previous research on the subject and re-analysed the pooled results. As music has neither risks Read more about Music can soothe following major heart surgery
InternationalErasmus MC, The Netherlands -
Musicians have more connected brains than non-musicians, even without perfect pitch
JNeurosci
The brains of musicians have stronger structural and functional connections compared to those of non-musicians, according to international research. Musicians that began their training at a younger age also had stronger structural connections than Read more about Musicians have more connected brains than non-musicians, even without perfect pitch
InternationalUniversity of Zurich, Switzerland, Stanford University, USA -
Discovery makes the invisible visible
Nature Photonics
Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyse microscopic cells, tissues and other transparent specimens, through the improvement of an almost 100-year-old imaging technique. Australian scientists have discovered a new way to analyse Read more about Discovery makes the invisible visible
Australia; VIC; ACTLa Trobe University|The University of Melbourne|The Australian National University... -
Seaweed's spread around the world reflected in its genomes
Nature Ecology & Evolution
The intentional and unintentional spread of the seaweed Undaria pinnatifida to other parts of the world has left genetic traces on its genomes, an international study involving New Zealand researchers has found. While native to Northeast Asia, the Read more about Seaweed's spread around the world reflected in its genomes
New Zealand; InternationalNational Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)... -
Smoking increases your risk of severe COVID-19
JAMA Internal Medicine
The more packets of cigarettes you smoke over your lifetime, the higher your risk may be of being hospitalised or dying from COVID-19, according to US research. Previously evidence to link smoking to COVID-19 risk had been limited and often Read more about Smoking increases your risk of severe COVID-19
InternationalCleveland Clinic, USA -
Social immunity in a social insect
Honey bees are able to combat the parasitic Varroa mite through social immunity. This is a collective behavioural defence strategy that involves Varroa-infected brood releasing chemicals than stimulate worker bees to remove the parasitised larvae. Read more about Social immunity in a social insect
New Zealand; InternationalUniversity of Otago|National Research Institute for Agriculture Food and Environment, France -
Kakadu food scraps provide ancient rainfall clues
Nature Ecology and Evolution
Archaeologists are generating a 65,000-year-old rainfall record from ancient food scraps found at Australia’s earliest-known site of human occupation. University of Queensland researcher Dr Anna Florin said the research was giving a glimpse into Read more about Kakadu food scraps provide ancient rainfall clues
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; QLDThe University of Queensland|ARC Centre of Excellence for Australian Biodiversity and Heritage... -
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have almost double the dementia risk
JAMA Neurology
Veterans exposed to Agent Orange are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with dementia, according to a US study. Additional studies are needed to examine potential mechanisms underlying the association between Agent Orange exposure and dementia. Read more about Veterans exposed to Agent Orange have almost double the dementia risk
InternationalVeterans Affairs Health Care System, USA -
Pre-Incan gold – guano created agricultural oases in the Atacama desert
Nature Plants
Parts of Chile’s Atacama desert became an unlikely food bowl thanks to bird poo. Analysis of plant and food remains found that around 1,100 years ago their nitrogen isotope content rose substantially, particularly for maize. Similar patterns of Read more about Pre-Incan gold – guano created agricultural oases in the Atacama desert
InternationalPontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile -
EXPERT REACTION: TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) today announced that it has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. It is the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved in Australia. Australian experts comment below. Read more about EXPERT REACTION: TGA approves Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
Australia -
Providing insight into how the brain may have evolved
Nature Ecology & Evolution
Researchers from The University of Western Australia have uncovered evidence of an important genetic step in the evolution of the brain. The finding highlights how genetic events that took place in our fish-like ancestors play crucial roles in human Read more about Providing insight into how the brain may have evolved
Australia; International; WAARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology|The University of Western Australia -
Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge
The Lancet Oncology
A new modelling study led by UNSW predicts demand for cancer surgery will rise by 52 per cent within two decades, with low-income countries bearing the greatest burden. Public health researchers, led by UNSW Sydney, have estimated the number of Read more about Global demand for cancer surgery set to surge
Australia; International; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
What you need to know about hydrogen energy
N/A
Several announcements were made last week regarding hydrogen research and development in Australia, including the development of an Australian hydrogen battery. Andrew Forrest of Fortescue Metals last week said “green” hydrogen will give Read more about What you need to know about hydrogen energy
Australia; NSWThe University of Sydney -
Need for school children to return to sport
As the school year begins, the call for more children to participate in organised sport has never been louder - but problems that sports organisers face are compounded by indifference from parents, in addition to worries about COVID-19 restrictions. Read more about Need for school children to return to sport
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells
Advanced Functional Materials
3D printers may one day become a permanent fixture of the operating theatre after UNSW scientists showed they could print bone-like structures containing living cells. Using a 3D-printer that deploys a special ink made up of calcium phosphate, the Read more about Scientists use a novel ink to 3D print ‘bone’ with living cells
Australia; NSWThe University of New South Wales -
CSIRO's circular economy roadmap charts path to triple job creation
A new roadmap released today by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, has developed key strategies for creating jobs and reclaiming billions in economic value from plastic, glass, paper and tyres currently going into landfill. The National Read more about CSIRO's circular economy roadmap charts path to triple job creation
Australia; NSWCSIRO -
Do you actually know how drunk you are?
Drug and Alcohol Review
Aussie researchers have found that if you've only had one or two drinks you are probably reasonably accurate at guessing if you'd be over the limit, but once your blood alcohol levels get to around 2-3 times the legal drinking limit, you and your Read more about Do you actually know how drunk you are?
Australia; New Zealand; NSW; VICThe University of Sydney|La Trobe University|University of Otago -
Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children
Australian Journal of Education
Greater sports participation among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is linked with better academic performance, according to new research from the University of South Australia. Greater sports participation among Aboriginal and Torres Read more about Sport may fast-track numeracy skills for Indigenous children
Australia; NSW; SAUniversity of South Australia|The University of Sydney... -
Aussie GPs need to better screen for harmful alcohol use
MJA
Aussies don’t see a need for major changes in regard to alcohol use, and support for policies which reduce alcohol-related harms that are based on the strongest evidence is declining, according to an Aussie expert. In a Perspective article, he Read more about Aussie GPs need to better screen for harmful alcohol use
Australia; SAGovernment of South Australia -
Heart disease risk is higher in cancer survivors
MJA
Death among people with cancer who survive at least 5 years after diagnosis is higher than for the general population, particularly in terms of heart disease, according to Aussie researchers. They analysed SA Cancer Registry data for all people Read more about Heart disease risk is higher in cancer survivors
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Continuous monitoring of proteins a game-changer for patients with rapidly deteriorating conditions
ACS Sensors
A world-first discovery by Australian researchers could become a game-changer for patients at risk of rapid health deterioration, such as heart complications, stroke, sepsis and cancer. Traditional diagnostic tests involve sampling tissue, blood or Read more about Continuous monitoring of proteins a game-changer for patients with rapidly deteriorating conditions
Australia; VICMonash University -
Electric avenues: AI suggests where to put electric car chargers
Patterns
An artificial intelligence system has been trained to read reviews of more than 12,000 US electric vehicle charging stations, to identify where there are too few or non-functioning stations and other issues. The program was able to assess reviews Read more about Electric avenues: AI suggests where to put electric car chargers
InternationalGeorgia Institute of Technology, US -
Tweets show the good, the bad, and the ugly of lockdown
PLoS ONE
In South Africa the Covid-19 lockdown had a significant negative impact on happiness. This was measured using sentiment analysis of Twitter posts (between January and June), with every tweet labelled as having either a positive, neutral or Read more about Tweets show the good, the bad, and the ugly of lockdown
InternationalAUT University -
Bee gone? A quarter of bee species haven’t been seen in 30 years
One Earth
While reports and records of animal species have increased dramatically over the last few decades, the number of bee species being reported has declined, down 25% since 1990. Argentinian researchers used the Global Biodiversity Information Facility Read more about Bee gone? A quarter of bee species haven’t been seen in 30 years
InternationalConsejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas -
Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right
Nature Communications
Scientists from Western Australia have set a world record for the most stable transmission of a laser signal through the atmosphere. The team combined Aussie ‘phase stabilisation’ technology with advanced self-guiding optical terminals to Read more about Record-breaking laser link could help us test whether Einstein was right
Australia; International; WAInternational Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR)... -
Revealing the secrets to solar success
Science
A new study shows how researchers at The Australian National University (ANU) achieved a world record in solar cell efficiency. The study focused on perovskite solar cells – made using a special group of materials which are cheap and easy to Read more about Revealing the secrets to solar success
Australia; ACTThe Australian National University -
PTSD link to pandemic panic
PLoS ONE
Even at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, people around the world became more fearful of what could happen to them or their family. A new Flinders University study of 1040 online participants from five western countries published in Read more about PTSD link to pandemic panic
Australia; SAFlinders University -
Truth-telling vital for Australia's unity
Australia will not be comfortable celebrating its national day until we have greater racial understanding, based on truthful retelling of history, academics say. However, they say we can be encouraged by our multicultural cohesion and growing Read more about Truth-telling vital for Australia's unity
Australia; SA; NT; ACTFlinders University|Charles Darwin University|University of Canberra -
Making protein 'superfoods' from marine algae
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Marine microalgae-based cellular agriculture is a promising new way to sustainably produce plant-based ‘meat’ and healthy ‘superfoods’ for the future. Researchers at Flinders University’s Centre for Marine Bioproducts Development (CMBD) in Read more about Making protein 'superfoods' from marine algae
Australia; SAFlinders University -
The National Youth Science Forum 2021 Year 12 Program closing event: Meet the Chiefs
Today nearly 600 young people from all over Australia will gather online to celebrate the end of the National Youth Science Forum’s (NYSF) 2021 Year 12 Program and inform them of the opportunities to come. Part of the celebrations will include a Read more about The National Youth Science Forum 2021 Year 12 Program closing event: Meet the Chiefs
AustraliaNational Youth Science Forum -
Could COVID quarantine be reduced to a week?
The Lancet Public Health
Quarantine time after contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case could potentially be reduced to seven days, according to a modelling study. The study looked at infected people’s potential viral load and the sensitivity of COVID-19 tests, and Read more about Could COVID quarantine be reduced to a week?
InternationalLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK -
Severe allergic reaction extremely rare with Pfizer COVID vaccine
JAMA Insights
Severe allergic reactions, or anaphylaxis, to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine are rare, with around 11 cases for every million doses administered, say US scientists. During December 14 to 23, 2020, there were 1,893,360 first doses of Read more about Severe allergic reaction extremely rare with Pfizer COVID vaccine
InternationalCenters for Disease Control and Prevention, USA -
Evidence of the virus behind COVID-19 found in the cornea
JAMA Ophthalmology
Genetic material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 has been found in the cornea of patients with COVID-19, according to German research. But despite this, the authors say the risk of COVID-19 infection via corneal transplant is low Read more about Evidence of the virus behind COVID-19 found in the cornea
InternationalUniversity Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany -
EXPERT Q&A: Answering your questions about COVID-19 variants
With reports of new COVID-19 strains emerging in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil, an Australian expert answers key questions about the new strains and how they might impact the current COVID-19 vaccines. Read more about EXPERT Q&A: Answering your questions about COVID-19 variants
Australia; NSWThe Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity in Society... -
Social pressure vs doing the right thing - what matters more for social distancing?
British Journal of Psychology
Social pressure may be more influential than personal belief when it comes to following COVID-19 guidelines, according to an international study of over 6,500 people in 114 countries. The study found that people followed social distancing guidelines Read more about Social pressure vs doing the right thing - what matters more for social distancing?
InternationalUniversity of Nottingham, UK